Eagle Tip - The Scout Law in Scripture

An important part of every Eagle court of honor is what I call the Scouting segment (having failed to come up with a catchier name). This is a ceremony, reading, or presentation that comes soon after the opening and that addresses the ideals and meaning of Scouting.

Perhaps the most popular Scouting segment is the Scout Law candle ceremony, where Scouts light candles representing the 12 points of the Scout Law as they read definitions of each of those points.

One of the Scouting segments in The Eagle Court of Honor Book offers a fresh approach to what can become hackneyed. Instead of using definitions from The Boy Scout Handbook, it uses passages from the Holy Bible. If your honoree is a Christian, this segment would be a great one to use. Here it is.

First Reader: Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, once said, “There is no religious side to the movement; the whole of it is based on religion, that is on the realization and service of God.” In keeping with that spirit, let’s consider how the Scout Law aligns with Scripture.Second Reader: A Scout is trustworthy.

First Reader: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor – Exodus 20:16.Second Reader: A Scout is loyal.

First Reader: Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10Second Reader: A Scout is helpful.

First Reader: There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. – Deuteronomy 15:11Second Reader: A Scout is friendly.

First Reader: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalm 133:1Second Reader: A Scout is courteous.

First Reader: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29Second Reader: A Scout is kind.

First Reader: The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. – Proverbs 12:10Second Reader: A Scout is obedient.

First Reader: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” – Ephesians 6:1-3Second Reader: A Scout is cheerful.

First Reader: A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. – Proverbs 15:13Second Reader: A Scout is thrifty.

First Reader: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. – Proverbs 6:6-8Second Reader: A Scout is brave.

First Reader: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6Second Reader: A Scout is clean.

First Reader: Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. – Psalm 24:3-4Second Reader: A Scout is reverent.

First Reader: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30

If this Scouting segment doesn’t fit your needs, you’ll find 11 more examples in The Eagle Court of Honor Book, along with eight complementary Eagle segments. Click the title to learn more.